Western Europe, Spain / Portugal, Iberian, Late Bronze Age (Celtic), ca. 5th to 4th century BCE. An amazing, abstract rendering in bronze of a stylized nude male standing on delineated legs with his arms raised in a dynamic pose, all cast via the cire-perdue or lost wax method. The genitalia are quite prominent, and the long torso has applied nipples. One arm is outstretched and the other is raised, as if greeting or gesturing. The head is skillfully shaped with a strong jawline, impressed mouth, protruding nose, and bulging eyes. The coiffure is pulled back from the ears and nape. A rich green patina covers the surface of this man. This figure is remarkable for both the naturalistic posture and stylized details. Size: 1.25" W x 3.5" H (3.2 cm x 8.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Iberian statuette examples like this would have been placed in a sanctuary or temple - a change that occurred around the beginning of the later Iberian period, as, prior to that, votive human figures were placed into burials. This indicates a shift in belief systems, perhaps to a religious understanding where humans interacted directly with the gods rather than going through an intermediary like a priest. Bronze figures are particularly associated with the sanctuaries at Despenaperros and El Cerro de los Santos, while other sites had stone figures. Iberian figures from this period are always either very clearly male or female.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#143760
Condition
Intact and excellent. Chip to side of head and age expected surface abrasions. Rich green patina and light mineral deposits throughout. Old inventory label on verso.